House Agriculture Committee votes crypto regulation forward, setting the stage for wider debate in Congress.
The committee passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, or Clarity Act, with a 47 to 6 vote. This bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for crypto, clarifying how the SEC and CFTC should share oversight. The bill’s progress follows rising political tension, especially surrounding former President Trump’s crypto involvement.
The House Financial Services Committee is next in line. If both committees approve their sections, a unified bill heads to the full House. The Clarity Act would require crypto firms to disclose operations and segregate customer assets from company funds.
Another key element is shielding non-custodial platforms and developers from being labeled unlicensed money transmitters. This protects innovation while keeping oversight on central exchanges and custodians. Some Democrats remain skeptical due to unclear input from the SEC and political ties to Trump’s memecoin and dinner for token holders.
Crypto clarity advances despite political noise
Top Democrat Maxine Waters criticized the SEC for not briefing her party equally. Some Republicans say Democrats are politicizing Trump’s crypto ties, while others point to legitimate resource issues. The CFTC, central to the bill, has under 1,000 employees — far fewer than the SEC’s 4,000.
Earlier this year, the SEC lost 600 staff members. Lawmakers warn that even with a strong framework, enforcement requires people and funding. Rep. Andrea Salinas called the bill “far from perfect” but a step forward in preventing another FTX-style collapse. She emphasized the need for both agencies to be better resourced to handle oversight effectively.
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House Agriculture Committee votes crypto bill into the spotlight
The Clarity Act’s passage marks a rare bipartisan crypto win in Washington. Yet the road to full approval is steep. Internal agency disagreements, political narratives, and lobbying from both crypto firms and regulators could stall progress.
Still, crypto advocates are optimistic. Clarity on SEC and CFTC roles could give the U.S. an edge in blockchain development. Clearer rules may also bring institutional investors and mainstream players off the sidelines.
The crypto world now watches the House Financial Services Committee closely. A second win there would make history — the first time such comprehensive crypto regulation moves to the House floor.